www.acq-intl.com • Global Excellence Awards 2018 From Humble Beginnings Now in its 47th year of operation, Kettani Law Firm has grown steadily from a one-man band to the family empire it is today. Mr Azzedine Kettani, the firm’s founder, provides us with a brief history. E X C E L L E N C E A W A R D S 2 0 1 8 G L O B A L Maître Rita KETTANI rewarded in 2018 as Most Influential Woman in Labour Law 2018 – Morocco by AI Magazine
2 Acquisition International - Global Excellence Awards2018 4. Kettani Law Firm 6. Global Tax Network Ltd. 7. ABV ADVOGADOS 8. Giambrone & Partners 10. Strachan Partners 11. Singh & Singh Law Firm LLP 12. Nanavati Associates 13. TopMark Claims Management Ltd 14. Studio Legale GTA 15. Fred-Young & Evans LP 16. PLUTA 17. Central Law Costa Rica 18. Avondale Corporate Limited 20. Commerce & Finance Law Offices 21. Deokyoung Ko, Law Group Minju 22. TIMELINE Production and Events 26. DMD Advocates 27. Roman Arroyo Abogados & Asociados 28. Pavelka s.r.o., law office 30. Kieti Advocates LLP 31. Barba & Partner Rechtsanwälte 32. Samvad Partners 34. Floresta Longo e Associati 36. Kern & Weyl 38. Clancy P.C. + Brion Raffoul 40. Cavendish Corporate Finance LLP 41. Bermudez & Asociados 42. Moore Stephens 44. Hamdan AlShamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants 45. Consultiva Internacional, Inc. 46. Platinum Partners GmbH 48. AXIS Legal Counsel 49. Queenie Foong Kwin Tan 50. First Aid Associates 52. The Hampden Consultancy 53. Eylem Sakir & Associates Law Firm 54. Eduardo Biondi & Antonio Ricardo Corrêa Advogados Associados 56. Twiggy MH Liu Law Office 58. Dhaval Vussonji & Associates Advocates & Solicitors 60. Quantera Global International B.V. 62. Motta Fernandes Advogados 63. Desai Desai Carrimjee & Mulla 64. Shanghai City Development Law Firm 66. Esenyel|Partners Lawyers & Consultants 67. Keren Law Firm 68. Lee, Tsai & Partners 70. Group Rapport 71. YouCall-it.com 72. Capstan Capital Partners LLP 73. Amber Beverage Group 74. Genesis Projects and Investments 76. Brightstar Financial Limited 77. Miguel Mur Abogados & Consultores 78. Eurofast 80. Abencys Restructuring SLP 82. RT Edgar Boroondara 86. Zinnovate International 88. Actance Societe d’Avocats 89. McMahons Lawyers 90. Steven James Lawyers & Advisers 91. Quinn Legal 92. Dr. Jörg Dauernheim 93. Concept Consult Architectes 94. Lucosky Brookman 95. Mycronic AB 96. Lall & Sethi 98. Genesis Avvocati 100. VILA Abogados 102. AEONRG LLC 103. All Aces Promotional 104. SOLCARGO 106. InTraCoM GmbH 107. AVOA Abogados 108. TASLAF Advocates & Consultants 109. Bargate Murray 110. Templar Executives 111. IrisGuard UK Ltd. 112. Vargas Alencastre, Garcia & Asociados 113. De Broek Van Laere & Partners BV CVBA 114. Pakawaste Ltd 115. Manor Architects 116. Asserson 117. Touchstone Associates Ltd 118. CFAL 120. KRyS Global 122. S&O Partnership Ltd. 124. The Natal Joint Municipal Pension/ KwaZulu-Natal Provident Fund 125. Helen Rutherford 126. Grant Thornton 128. Law Firm Kowalik 129. Domnern Somgiat & Boonma Law Office 130. TSF Consultants No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. How to get in touch AI welcomes news and views from its readers. Correspondence should be sent to; Address: Acquisition International, Second Floor Suite F, The Maltsters, 1-2 Wetmore Road, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 1LS. Website: www.acq-intl.com/ Find us on... Welcome to the 2018 Global Excellence Awards Our Global Excellence Awards are an annual programme which has been designed by our inhouse research team. Launched to recognise and reward the firms and individuals whose sustained outstanding performance has seen them leading the way in their industry, the Global Excellence Awards is our flagship programme and covers a wide variety of sectors and countries. Honouring these top performers is done through a rigorous and in-depth selection process from our in-house awards specialists. The team left no stone unturned to ensure that every one of our chosen firms was selected based on proven performance over the past 12 months, guaranteeing that all award recipients were chosen purely on merit and can take pride in the knowledge that they truly deserve their place among this year’s esteemed winners. Jessie Daykin - Editor - j.daykin@aiglobalmedialtd.com READ THIS MONTH’S CPD ACCREDITED ISSUE TO GAIN 6 CPD POINTS
Acquisition International - Global Excellence Awards2018 3 Contents 154 178 82 188 166 136 131. Nicky Goodman & Co. 132. Excellius Leadership Development 134. B Matanga IP Attornerys 135. 9 Wentworth Chambers 136. Corethree 138. Jai Stern Solicitors 139. Your Allies 140. Project Lifesaver International 142. Núcleo Avançado em Cirurgia Plástica 144. Viboal FindEX 145. Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP 146. Roc Technologies Limited 148. STIRIXIS Group 150. Capital.com 152. ValiRx plc 154. WeDontHaveTime 158. ASAP Services N.V. 160. Dr Elliott Rose 161. SE2, LLC 162. Hulbert Volio Montero 164. Whitmill Trust 166. SYMMETRIA 168. Zaini Media 169. Kurz 170. KB Associates 172. Patterson & Associates (PTY) Ltd 173. Paul Vick Architects 174. Smart Apprentices 176. SINGULANCE 177. Mintz 178. Boecker 180. L6 Elite, LLC 182. Freidenberg, Freidenberg & Lifsic 183. Aaceses Ihmire Industries 184. Flirties Products and Training Ltd. 185. Nevermore Security 186. The Refinery 187. i-GP 188. a2z strategic consulting 190. Saravia Frias Cornejo Abogados 191. Draycott Nursing & Care 192. Eye Foundation Hospital Group 194. MasterOneCare Ltd 195. Cosmic Technologies (Pvt) Ltd. 196. Royal Crown 197. INFINOX Capital 198. Naail & Co 199. Fox Graphics Design & Marketing
4 Acquisition International - Global Excellence Awards2018 Now in its 47th year of operation, Kettani Law Firm has grown steadily from a one-man band to the family empire it is today. Mr Azzedine Kettani, the firm’s founder, provides us with a brief history. t was in 1968, whilst working as a young lecturer at the Faculty of Law in Rabat, That Mr Azzedine Kettani had a vision. The vision that his theoretical knowledge was pointless, and his work meaningless, if he couldn’t actively contribute to enrich the practise of law. What followed was the embracing of the law profession, which started with an internship, and culminated in the creation of law firm Azzedine Kettani in 1971. “The trust that some multinationals, particularly Americans, and the Government of the United States of America, placed in the firm shortly after its creation was due to the acceptable use of the English language that I could offer as one of the rare English speakers of the Casablanca Bar,” explains Mr Kettani, speaking of the early days and his firm’s growing success. “This asset has drawn a clientele that has continually developed amongst multinational companies from all over the world, as well as foreign governments that engaged the law firm’s services, which in 1973 already included six people, a team that doubled in 1980 to reach 15 employees in 1990.” Then, to ensure a further succession, Mr Kettani’s first children, attracted by their father’s profession and the law, joined the firm. “Nadia and Rita respectively arrived in 1992 and 1993 after brilliant studies,” enthuses Mr Kettani proudly. “They focused on strengthening the English-speaking orientation of the firm, studied in the US and developed their knowledge and use of Shakespeare’s language.” In 1995, Mr Kettani found himself on Nolly Street in Casablanca, using two-floors of a prestigious 1930s classified building, which was soon expanded to occupy nearly 400m2. By this point the firm comprised of around 35 associates who were actively working as lawyers, legal counsels and paralegals, as well as secretarial and accounting staff. “The “Departments” were beginning to take shape,” comments Mr Kettani. “Resulting in the creation of the department of litigation for the defence of banks, insurance and all companies, and the consulting department for contractual matters, investment, financing, etc.” Contact: Azzedine Kettani Company: Kettani Law Firm Address: 8 Rude Lahcen El Basri 20100 Casablanca Telephone: +212 522 438900 Web Address: www.kettlaw.com FromHumble Beginnings I 1807AI56 During the 2000s, Mr Kettani had the idea to grow Kettani Law Firm and create a leading firm that could rival the big firms, particularly the American firms, and provide a quality of service which would be comparable to theirs. “To reach this goal, we had to invest and I thus decided to buy, in the beginning of 2004, in the heart of the city, in a street perpendicular to Anfa Boulevard, a building that, once demolished, would consist of seven floors and two undergrounds, and become the new Kettani Law Firm Building of some 3000 m².” Achieved and completed in May 2005, the behemoth building is divided into several units: consulting, intellectual property, commercial and corporate, labour law, arbitration, and a recovery department composed of specialised units for banks and insurance companies - a model that is unique to Kettani Law Firm. More than 120 employees, including administrative staff, alongside Moroccan and foreign lawyers and legal counsels, are now permanently working at Kettani Law firm, each one abiding by the same motto: “Serving the client to the best”. Two new “youngsters” have joined their older sisters: Driss Kettani who, after his law studies at the Pantheon-Sorbonne University in France, was admitted to the Casablanca Bar where he has been a lawyer since 2012, in charge of the finances and organization. He was followed by Zineb Kettani, who took an unusual path by graduating in pharmacy from the University of Lausanne. She then abandoned pharmacy to answer the call to law and is now registered with the same Bar of Casablanca. “We had to take the final leap and remove the craftsmanship coat to become a partnership, and in November 2011, Kettani Law Firm became a private lawyers’ partnership under the new law that permitted it. “A new adventure has started,” states Mr Kettani, as he explains just how important his staff members are to the firm. “Kettani Law firm is a family run firm, but its family includes all its associates and staff members, and not only “the Kettanis”. “This is also the reason we are organising our annual “family days” where we all meet altogether and celebrate our successes. These successes have allowed us to receive regularly prestigious international awards.” The firm draws on the vast experience of its team, including Partner Rita Kettani, who has been working alongside the firm since 1993. Previously she has undertaken internships in law firms in Paris, France, and the United States. Thanks to her hard work leading a range of departments at Kettani Law Firm, including the litigation, labour and IP law departments, she has been awarded Most Influential Woman in Labour Law 2018 – Morocco by AI Magazine, an accolade of which she is proud.
Acquisition International - Global Excellence Awards2018 5
6 Acquisition International - Global Excellence Awards2018 64 Acquisitio International - Issue 52018 Global Tax Network Ltd is the UK member firm of GTN International, an affiliation of independent professional services firms specialising in global mobility tax consulting for corporate and private clients. We profile the firm, which was recently named Most Outstanding Mobility & Expatriate Tax Consultancy – 2018 in our prestigious 2018 Global Excellence Awards, to find out more and explore the secrets behind its incredible success. stablished in 2000, Global Tax Network draws on over 18 years’ experience to provide clients with mobility program development and support for organizations, including tax planning and preparation services for employees on international assignment, transferring to a new country, or working temporarily outside of their home location (i.e., short term international assignments). Additionally, the firm’s private client services include non-residents, High Net Worth individuals, non-domiciles and professional sportspersons, extending to over 100 countries through its network of GTN partner firms. In association with GTN partner firms worldwide, Global Tax Network is able to assist clients with international tax planning and compliance in over 90 countries. Moving On Up In The Mobility TaxMarket E 1802AI05 Since its inception, the firm’s focus has been on building relationships with like-minded global mobility firms around the world. Each of these relationships has led Global Tax Network to a new contact, extending GTN International’s global reach and access to up-to-date information on local tax laws in multiple countries. Thanks to this collaborative and supportive approach, what started out as the vision of a small group of former Big 4 employees on a mission to improve the quality of client service in the world of mobility tax now stands at an affiliation of firms in over 90 countries. To ensure excellence for every client it supports, Global Tax Network’s dedicated consultants have substantial experience advising UK nationals abroad and foreign nationals in the UK in both tax and social security issues, and include members of the Association of Taxation Technicians, Chartered Institute of Taxation, European Tax Advisers (CFE), US Certified Public Accountants and Canadian Chartered Accountants. Looking ahead, continuing to support both its clients and its parent company’s vast global network will remain Global Tax Network’s ongoing focus as the firm looks towards an exciting future filled with invigorating possibilities and enriching opportunities. Company: Global Tax Network Ltd. Contact: Richard Watts-Joyce Address: 2nd Floor, 13 Austin Friars, London, EC2N 2HE, UK Phone: 0207 100 2126 Website: https://www. globaltaxnetwork.co.uk/ “...the firm’s focus has been on building relationships with like-minded global mobility firms around the world.”
Acquisition International - Global Excellence Awards2018 7 40 Acquisition International - February 2018 ABV ADVOGADOS is traditionally a Law Firm dedicated to corporate, commercial and business law. Today, the Firm is also a reference assisting foreign Private Clients in Portugal. We invited António Paula Varela to tell us more about the firm and tell us the secrets behind its success. BV ADVOGADOS represents a large number of Portuguese and foreign companies, both in Portugal and overseas. However, considering the increasing demand for legal services by individuals, in particular foreigners who choose Portugal as a living or working destination, the team also developed its “Private Clients” practice, focused specially on residence, citizenship, family, inheritance and tax matters, including the Portuguese Golden Visa program and the non-habitual tax regime. Outlining the firm’s overall mission, António explains what steps the firm plans to take in order to achieve its goal. Meeting and exceeding client expectations is an important part of the vision that Antonio has for the firm, and the team work exceptionally hard in order to achieve this. “Looking to achieve excellent customer satisfaction, we always want to be a constructive partner to our clients, providing pragmatic and objective legal solutions which result in an added value to their activity or life. Therefore, we always look for a close relationship and thorough understanding of our clients, so we can represent and defend their interests in the best way. Regarding innovation, the ABV ADVOGADOS team is permanently updated on the market trends and the legal developments that may benefit our clients.” It is this vision which helps the firm differentiate itself from its competitors, as the team is focused solely on the client and works hard in order to achieve high satisfaction levels. These achievements have led to the firm being selected in the 2018 Global Excellence Awards as the Most Outstanding Business Development Law Firm in Portugal, something António is very proud of. “To be selected for this award, we are obviously very happy, as it is the recognition of our work and the quality of our team. However, we consider it, above all, a responsibility and a motivation to improve our services every day. This award is an honour and at the same time a drive to do more and better.” Providing us with a brief overview of the industry at present, António believes that the financial crisis which affected Portugal is over, and this will lead to a more successful future for the firm going forwards. “With Portugal having arisen from the financial crisis, in our specific area, there are many opportunities and the foreign investment is back. We would like to highlight the following areas that are ‘booming’ now in Portugal: Company: ABV ADVOGADOS Contact: António Paula Varela Address: Av. Alvares Cabral, nº 84, 2º. 1250-018, Lisboa, Portugal Phone: 00351 213 703 600 Web Address www.abvlegal.pt TheClient Comes First A 1802AI06 real estate, start-up companies and foreign individuals that choose Portugal as a place to live or work. In ABV ADVOGADOS, we developed our expertise to assist the clients on these matters.” With technology increasingly dominating the legal industry and relevant markets, António points out the three aspects of the sector that the firm considers crucial, and what techniques the company employs in order to stay ahead of upcoming developments. “Let me point out three aspects that we consider essential: first, we believe in the permanent training of our team. On the other hand, we attend and promote on a regular basis professional and social events, as this allows us to be updated on the new trends of the legal market. Finally, due to our important international network, we try to be always informed on recent developments that may benefit and affect our clients.” Regarding the internal culture within the company, António ensures that all of his staff are in the best possible position to provide a quality service to clients by sticking to the firm’s values and concentrating on specific areas in Portugal, following all the rules and leaving no stone unturned. “Fundamentally, we are committed to work in Portugal and in the other jurisdiction in which we operate, always aiming to reach the highest possible standard and fulfilling scrupulously the ethical and deontological rules governing the practice of the Law.” Ultimately, the future looks very bright for ABV ADVOGADOS. António concludes by predicting what the times ahead will be like for the firm. “Looking ahead, we believe that companies and people from all around the world will continue to select Portugal as a destination and our firm as their local legal advisers. Currently, we have clients from Asia, Africa, Americas and Europe and we look forward to consolidating our services as a reference for those who decide to invest or live in Portugal. “On the other hand, our firm actively supports Portuguese and foreign companies in international projects, particularly in Angola, Cape Verde and Mozambique, jurisdictions where ABV ADVOGADOS has established local partnerships and has extensive experience. It is our goal for the next years to not only develop our activity in Portugal, but also in the referred Portuguese speaking countries, together with our local partners.”
8 Acquisition International - Global Excellence Awards2018 20 Acqu s tion Int r l - January 2018 Giambrone is an international law firm with offices in London, Barcelona, Glasgow, Mallorca, Milan, Munich, Palermo, Rome, Sardinia, and Tunis. Head of Operations and Marketing, Anne Gadd provides us with a deeper insight into the company’s offerings as we look to examine which aspects make it so successful within the legal industry. stablished in 2009, Giambrone’s reach extends across Europe, North Africa and the Balearic Islands, making the firm well positioned to assist clients with a broad range of cross-border issues. The team have the capacity, under one roof, to successfully navigate through many different jurisdictions which saves clients time and money. Committed to excellence, Giambrone have developed teams of multi-specialist, multi-lingual and multi-jurisdictional lawyers in recognition of the frequent over-lap of expertise required when addressing our clients’ complex crossborder issues. Firstly, the partners and staff at Giambrone are delighted to have received this award. We believe the dedication of our lawyers and support staff together with their commitment to delivering the best outcome to our clients has contributed to being successfully named in the 2018 Global Excellence Awards and the Best Full-Service Law Firm in 2018 within Italy. The award is perceptible confirmation of Giambrone’s competence and enthusiasm and will act as an inspiration to the staff and spur them on to even better results in the forthcoming year. The award will provide our clients and potential clients with a degree of confidence in the firm and encourage them to place their work in our hands. Giambrone aspires to grow and develop into a force to be reckoned with throughout Europe and the wider markets. There are few firms of our size that offer the level of competence and the range of experience across Europe with genuine offices, as opposed to virtual offices, based in key locations within significant cities in Europe. The culture within the firm is client focussed; no two clients or legal cases are the same and Giambrone recognises that a comprehensive Company: Giambrone & Partners Contact: Anne Gadd Address: Studio Legale Associato, Via Della Liberta 37/1, Palermo, 90139, Italy Phone: 0039 02 9475 Website: www.giambronelaw.com DeliveringQuality onaGlobal Basis E 1802AI30 understanding of each client’s unique culture and their legal issues provides the optimum opportunity for successful resolution to challenging legal situations. Furthermore, the lawyers at Giambrone do not ignore the fact that our business clients need commercial solutions to their issues and always factor in this aspect in every circumstance, there is little value in providing an answer to a legal issue where the cost of the solution out-weighs the value of the issue. We aim to deliver first rate pragmatic solutions to our clients and encourage our lawyers to gain a full grasp of impact and implication on the client, in the short and long term, of each legal matter and apply a collaborative strategy to ensure that the solution chosen is absolutely in the very best interests of the client. Contributing greatly to the reputation of the company, the lawyers at Giambrone have been drawn from the very best, and across all the offices we have assembled a formidable cohort of expertise and can offer unrivalled levels of success. Our teams are constructed in a way that allows young rising stars to work with experienced lawyers who are widely respected and acknowledged experts in their field of law. Subsequently, clients benefit from the best of both worlds by combining the astute experienced lawyers with fresh new talent bringing new ideas and vision to the firm. Giambrone is constantly looking for new gifted lawyers to join our impressive teams of lawyers, and intends to become the law firm of choice for individuals and businesses requiring legal assistance in Italy and the other areas in which we operate. Ensuring we stay ahead of any upcoming developments within the industry, Giambrone acknowledges the need to constantly review the services and the way those services are delivered to maintain the best possible level of assistance to our clients. The provision of profession services is undergoing change; commercial clients expect and need speed of action and innovative solutions for their issues to keep them viable in their own markets. Giambrone must be at the cutting edge of a variety of “Giambrone aims to be ahead of the situation by devising preliminary strategies that can be adapted to offer our clients a framework to enable them to develop a way forward.”
Acquisition International - Global Excellence Awards2018 9 Acquisition International - January 2018 21 Delivering Quality on a Global Basis industry sectors. The firm aims to use technology in tandem with our expertise of offer a modern service that can maintain momentum in any environment. We have developed a client services department that sits beside the legal teams which means that our clients are carefully managed throughout the entire course of their matter and in the first instance we have a comprehensive outline of the legal issue being presented and the client also has a complete understanding of the costs, the time the initial phase is likely to take and who will be dealing with their matter. The client services team are always open to our clients’ approach at any stage. Also, the client services team is able to keep the client fully informed of the key developments. Despite operating in an increasingly technology dominated environment, Giambrone’s use of progressive technology does not mean that our clients who do not embrace modern technology will be left behind, on the contrary, we always adapt our methods to suit each client and fully understand that some of our clients may be more comfortable with other methods of communication. Interestingly, the European legal and commercial landscape is in a state of instability mainly as a result of the UK’s decision regarding Brexit; this situation is resulting in opportunities for an agile law firm with cross-border capacity. Clients are looking for commitment and partner led firms without the high fees that are typically found in large cross-border firms centred in London. Giambrone’s proactive client centric culture is ideally suited to address the many issues that European businesses, who do business with other European countries, face with the looming prospect of the changes which will inevitably arise as a result of Brexit. For many businesses their whole business model must be redrafted, contracts will effectively be torn up, even staffing may prove a challenge. Free movement is one of the core elements of EU membership. If this is inhibited, some businesses may be affected very considerably. Budgets will have to be analysed and revised. Visa requirements for example could make it difficult to recruit UK-based employees from the remaining EU Member States (and vice versa). Also, potential candidates may prefer to be located in the EU where their movement would remain unrestricted. UK employees currently working in the EU almost certainly will need assistance with visas in the future. Essentially, Giambrone aims to be ahead of the situation by devising preliminary strategies that can be adapted to offer our clients a framework to enable them to develop a way forward. The UK’s surprise decision to leave the EU raises significant challenges and potential opportunities. It is clear that Brexit will affect the rights and obligations of all businesses aiming to be engaged in commercial activities in both the UK and the wider arena of Europe. While there is much uncertainty regarding the shape of the UK’s future relationship with the EU post-Brexit, time should be spent assessing the impact across a business at the earliest stage and be continually updated as more information is forthcoming. Therefore, consideration should be given now to the strategic action that businesses may wish to take in a number of areas, including contractual relationships, staffing, financing and supply chain management, to manage the risks and maximise the opportunities presented by Brexit. Proactive businesses will be best placed to meet the challenges of the coming years. It is probable that UK businesses that have strong trading deals with Italy but no base in Italy will be considering opening a branch in Italy in order to continue to do business. Ultimately, Giambrone is growing exponentially and aims to be a leading global legal service, offering our clients a comprehensive client- focused worldwide legal resource. Giambrone will be reviewing the potential of expanding into other European countries as well as the U.S. The other markets that the firm is investigating are those of the Middle East and China. The first steps have been taken to investigate the potential of the eastern markets to ensure that the best practice from within Giambrone can be applied to these new areas.
10 Acquisition International - Global Excellence Awards2018 46 i International - February 2018 Strachan Partners are delighted to be selected in the 2018 Global Excellence Awards as the Most Outstanding Commercial Law Firm 2018 in Nigeria, with Yemi Candide-Johnson believing that the firm’s success deserves to be recognised. Yemi takes us behind the scenes of the company as we gain an insight into its success. trachan Partners was established as a full-service law firm 27 years ago. In those years and before, the company has successfully advised, guided, supported and defended local and international clients across a wide range of practice areas, including but not limited to; dispute resolution, real estate and construction, labour, immigration, project finance and intellectual property. Typically, the firm’s clients include governments, financial institutions, professional service providers such as consultants and accountants, small and large businesses and also charitable organisations. Differentiating itself from its competitors who also operate within the legal industry, Yemi explains that it is the boutique nature of the company and the work that it takes on. Its independent nature means that the utmost attention to detail is paid to every individual case, with high levels of creativity amongst staff, as Yemi is keen to highlight. “Essentially, we are a boutique firm and we are highly selective about thework that wewill agree to undertake. We are dedicated to understanding the entire mechanics of a client’s business in order to supply effective bespoke solutions. This dedication requires careful attention and a considerable commitment of resources. We can only offer this by choice. “Furthermore, we also apply very creative problemsolving mechanisms to each matter brought before us. Our ability to think outside the box ensures that our clients get the very best advice possible.” With the legal industry and relevant technology constantly evolving at a rapid pace, it is vital that Strachan Partners and the teams employ creative and innovative techniques which help the firm to stay ahead of emerging developments. Yemi alludes to which techniques lead the company to be best placed to counter these developments. “At Strachan, we believe in observing emerging developments via social media, newspapers, news and other media platforms. We believe in first anticipating where a trend is likely to go and then act upon same. We did this in the past year by observing the rapidly increased social media activity in the industry, and have undergone extensive efforts towards improving our social media presence via (i) posting intellectually Company: Strachan Partners Contact: Yetunde Quadri Address: 8 Tokunbo Omisore Street, Off Wole Olateju Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria Phone: 00234 127 007 22 Website: strachanpartners.com Integrity, Innovation, DiligenceandExcellence S 1802AI13 stimulating articles with a core legal focus for the benefit of all readers, (ii) drawing attention to our recent awards locally and from international bodies; and (iii) highlighting our efforts towards giving back to society via training young lawyers. Last year, we did a similar thing when we trained a group of secondary school children who were with us for a few weeks in April to observe lawyers in practice.” Important to the success of the law firm and its staff, the firm set targets and goals which staff strive to achieve. Yemi outlines the overall mission of the company, listing what steps the firm plans to take in order to achieve its mission. “Here at Strachan Partners, we are committed tomodel diligence, excellence and integrity in the delivery of legal services. We understand that without public confidence in the reputation of lawyers, their work and the business mission of their clients is made riskier. That risk is mitigated by dedication to personal and professional development by training, and strict internal regulation including against strict policies such as our Anti-Bribery Policy and Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy. “In a challenging legal and business environment, we must bring new perspective to every assignment and overcome challenges which considerable experience teaches us to anticipate. We are alert and proactive, and therefore highly effective in crafting enduring business solutions.” Overall, concluding the discussion, Yemi predicts what the future holds for the company, commenting on the future plans for Strachan Partners, as well as hinting at future growth for the firm. Lastly, Yemi is keen to add how important the area of Lagos is to the success of this growing law firm. “Within the last year, we have invested substantially in new purpose-built offices as well as state of the art technology in our facility. Our business is expanding within this security, increasing our profile andmultiplying opportunities for quality clientele. “Lagos is an important regional commercial hub whose profile and opportunity is rising. It is a target for much international commercial investment, and we know exactly how to bridge these interests to our complex legal environment.”
Acquisition International - Global Excellence Awards2018 11 62 Acquisition International - February 2018 Singh and Singh Law Firm LLP is an Indian law firm with years of experience in providing services in the field of Intellectual Property (IP) Law, Media and Telecommunications Laws, Arbitration, Competition Law, Law of Taxation, Drugs Regulatory Laws. We profile the firm as we look to find out more about this dedicated and innovative law firm. ounded in 1992 by, Mr. Maninder Singh (Currently, Additional Solicitor General of India) & Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Prathiba M. Singh (Judge, Delhi High Court), Singh & Singh has grown over the years to become India’s leading law firm in the field of Intellectual Property Litigation, IT and Media & Telecommunication Law. In 2012, Singh & Singh was converted into an LLP with five partners. However, after the designation of Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Prathiba M. Singh as Senior Advocate in 2012, the LLP was reduced to four partners. Since then, the Firm is running as a professionally managed firm and currently has four partners and three associate partners, each an expert in their respective practice area. Since being established, Singh and Singh have been running as a professionally managed firm, and currently has four partners and three associate partners, with each being an expert in their respective practice area. The firm further has over 40 attorneys and patent agents. With the founding partners boasting a wealth of expertise and sterling reputations throughout the industry, they embarked on a vision to create a youthful and energetic law firm, leading to the perfect combination of knowledge and desire. As such, when the founding partners moved on, the team now have proven themselves to be extremely competent, continuing to operate and advance the legacy of Singh and Singh. Working with a real ambition of being the best, the team are dedicated to their clients and providing with the highest standard of quality services that they can. This is made possible thanks to the extensive experience that each member of staff boasts, and the magnitude of qualifications amongst staff. Company: Singh & Singh Law Firm LLP Address: C-139, Defence Colony, New Delhi – 110 024, India Phone: + 91 11 4987 6099 Phone: + 91 11 4982 6000 to 6099 Website: www.singhandsingh.com Intellectual Property Protection F 1802AI14 Building on its continuous success, Singh and Singh has grown over the years, leading it to becoming one of India’s leading law firms in its particular fields of practice, and has been awarded both, individually and as a firm, in the past years. An impressive indication of its achievements, the firm has been ranked in top tiers by various international and national publication. Leading this accomplished and expert team are four partners, Bitika Sharma, whose area of expertise includes Trademark & Patent - (Prosecution and Litigation); Sudeep Chatterjee, who works in Trademark and Copyright - (Prosecution & Litigation), Anti-Counterfeiting, Domain Disputes. All highly trained and skilled partners, Tejveer Singh specialises in Telecom, Broadcasting, Regulatory and Enforcement; and Saya Choudry, who practices in the specialty of Patent - (Prosecution & Litigation), Competition. Key to the success of the firm, the partners work well with the rest of the law firm in order to deliver an outstanding service. Long-term clients indicate high levels of customer satisfaction, and it is the firm’s dedication and reputation of putting the client first which has helped establish the practice at the top of the industry. Overall, having already grown to become a recognised force within the legal industry, Singh and Singh is in good hands as it looks to capitalise on its success of being named as Most Innovative Intellectual Property Litigation Firm 2018 – India, and become the leading IP firm worldwide. “An impressive indication of its achievements, the firm has been ranked in top tiers by various international and national publication.”
12 Acquisition International - Global Excellence Awards2018 Acquisition International - February 2018 37 Partners and Associates of Nanavati Associates attend to matters listed before the Hon’ble High Court of Gujarat at Ahmedabad, as well as often work on matters listed before other High Courts and the Supreme Court of India. Pranit K. Nanavati, Partner provides us with his thoughts on what makes the firm stand out in the industry. aving built a reputation in litigation at High Courts, in order to provide non-litigation services and litigation services at Trial Courts and Tribunals, the Partners of Nanavati Associates formed a separate partnership firm in 2002 and thus, sister firm, K. Nanavati & Gandhi Associates came into existence. Since 2003, Nanavati Associates has been providing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) legal services and networks with firms in US, Europe, China as well as countries such as Curacao and Cameroon. Nanavati Associates has conducted seminars to increase awareness about IPR, and has branch offices in Surat and Vadodara, other major cities of Gujarat, India. The firm has a large number of corporate clients including foreign multinational and Indian multinational companies. The clients also include companies with no foreign presence and at times, even individuals. Embedded within the Associates of the firm, the mission is to strive to provide the best possible legal services to its clients regardless of the size of the client or the stake involved. The growth of the firm over the decades is strictly due to the unwavering focus on merits of every matter and is only because of word-of-mouth. The firm prepares itself in advance for any new legislation to remain in the forefront. Often, partners of the firm engage in teaching at leading local law schools and other institutes and are invited to contribute in Conferences and Seminars. Hard work, honesty, and humility distinguish the firm from its competitors. Success of its numerous past Associates who have established their own private thriving practice, is testimony to the opportunities that are available at the firm, for any lawyer who aspires to be a successful lawyer in almost every area of law. Interestingly, the legal profession is well developed across India and especially, in Gujarat, as it is a more advanced state than most others in the country. Nanavati Associates is in the biggest city in Gujarat: Ahmedabad, which happens to be the seventh largest city in the country. There is healthy competition in the legal profession everywhere in the country. Allowing foreign firms to practice in India is often a subject of debate in the legal fraternity. We encourage healthy competition from everywhere, including from foreign countries. Company: Nanavati Associates Contact: Pranit K. Nanavati Contact Phones: +91-7940038081, +91-79-40038082, +91-79-40038083, +91-7940038084, +91-79-40038085 Contact Fax: +91-79-40038086 Mobile Phone: +919879106229 Address: Satyam Corporate Square, Block “B”, Behind Rajpath Club, Nr. Friends Avenue, Off S.G. Highway, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad 380 059, Gujarat, India Website: www.nanavatiassociates.com Multi-SkilledAssociates Serving the Industry H 1802AI18 At times, having dual or multiple languages used in legal proceedings brings its own challenges. We deal with it like any other firm and are conscious about such challenges. With the fairly large pool of Associates from different parts of the country where different languages are used, we believe that even in addressing such challenges, we are better positioned than most of our competition. Regarding our internal culture, it is to spare no effort in providing the best legal services. There are thousands of books in the library, and we subscribe to several journals on various areas of Law. A perk of these advanced times is that numerous softwares are available for doing legal research. Providing a physical environment that is conducive to providing efficient services also helps us be the best we can be. We have multiple conference rooms and each Associate is provided with a computer with internet access. Ultimately, we believe that the firm provides whatever it takes to ensure that the best possible legal services are provided to the clients. For us, we believe that the future is only going to get better. It is a dynamic world when it comes to law and we will keep ourselves updated and prepared for the changing legal scenario so that we can continue to deliver legal excellence to our Clients. As for IPR, trademark law and copyright law have been fairly well developed in India, but Patent law, though firstly put in place more than 150 years ago, is at times, considered to be still in its infancy. Thus, we see tremendous growth potential in IPR and particularly, Patents. Design is one area that severely lacks awareness. There is some awareness about geographical indications of goods, but most people in India have not even heard of the law on semiconductor integrated circuit layout design, or the law on protection of plant varieties and farmers’ rights. Thus, there is tremendous growth potential in IPR in India. Moving forward, we believe that sooner or later foreign firms will be permitted to practice in India. We look forward to it as it will only force every existing firm, including us, to only get better. Also, we welcome healthy competition from every corner of the world and feel that we are already adequately prepared.
Acquisition International - Global Excellence Awards2018 13 50 Acquisition International - February 2018 TopMark Claims Management Ltd specialise in claims and associated support services, for both private and public sector clients nationally and internationally. We sat down with Stephanie Staubach, our Most Influential Woman in Claims Management 2018 – UK. who takes us behind the scenes of this industry leading firm. rading since 2006, TopMark work for the UK Government servicing departments, such as the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Justice, as well as Utility companies, the BBC, blue light authorities and large self-insured commercial clients to name a few. Despite working in an incredibly competitive industry, TopMark still comes out at the top in regard to customer service. This can be put down mainly to the firm’s ethos of placing the client first, as Stephanie explains. “In the current market, many clients can feel dictated to by their suppliers and the service they receive can often lack the individual approach needed to really make a difference. Here at TopMark, we never offer an off the shelf product, as we really get to know what makes the lives of our clients more problematic and make it our priority to lift that burden. “This can mean introducing efficiencies through technology, changing a client’s approach to their own reporting of accidents, or helping them save money in their insurance budgets to fall in line with their internal targets. Integrating innovation is not about making assumptions about what clients need, but taking the time to listen to a client and be proactive in helping them drive forward their objectives. Sometimes the simplest of steps can have the biggest impact.” Differentiating itself from its competitors, again putting the client first is what entices people to work with TopMark. Stephanie alludes to the results that TopMark achieve and how staff really sell their services in order to get the client on board. “Importantly, we save our clients time and money, as shown by proven results and tangible savings. We believe that our clients are investing in a positive change when they come to us, as often they have been with the same supplier for a significant period of time and have fallen into bad habits with a lack of progress and innovation. “They are often surprised at the options that our appointment opens up to them, particularly in terms of how the work is managed, service results, targets and objectives achieved. Currently, there is too much Company: TopMark Claims Management Ltd Contact: Stephanie Staubach Address: 160 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4TB Phone: 0141 331 6844 Understanding Your Needs T 1802A19 of a disconnection in the market regarding selling your services to a client to then delivering on your promises. More often than not, the personnel involved in selling the service to a client will have no further contact with them post appointment. “At TopMark, winning a client is the first step but our work thereafter is a commitment to deliver on the promises we make. Then, we provide tangible evidence to our clients, at strategic stages, of the savings, both in monetary terms and in respect of the efficiencies we have made, setting higher targets for the upcoming years. Essentially, we put our money where our mouth is.” Regarding the internal culture within the firm, the thriving work environment contributes greatly to the mission of putting the clients first. Aiming to satisfy clients, staff have incentives which help drive them on to meet the highest quality standards offered to them, something which Stephanie is keen to comment on. “Crucial to our success, our policy for developing and rewarding staff is fairly unique. We have high standards in our expectations of staff but this is because we take great pride in our work, with all employees possessing a great amount of passion for great customer service delivery. Often in the insurance sector, people are promoted after a certain length of service or experience, but in my view that approach is not always the most effective. I am proud of the fact that over the years I have developed my apprentices, resulting in opportunities for staff who would ordinarily have waited a number of years to have such promotion opportunities.” Ultimately, these are exciting times for TopMark, and Stephanie concludes by telling us the future plans for the firm, discussing the new contracts that the company has secured, as well as reflecting on what has been a successful year for the company. “Excitingly, 2017 saw us opening our London Branch and we have contracts secured for 2018 which are likely to see a further office in Manchester or Leeds. Additionally, we are working on a company rebrand, and are hoping to launch this soon, as we encourage our clients to keep an eye out for upcoming developments.”
14 Acquisition International - Global Excellence Awards2018 30 i International - February 2018 Studio Legale GTA is an Italian law firm that operates in the main branches of civil and international, commercial and corporate law, both in judicial and extrajudicial fields. We profile the firm, which was named Best in International & Civil Law 2018 – Italy in our 2018 Global Excellence Awards, to learn more and explore the secrets behind its success. tudio Legale GTA provides legal services to companies in Italy and to international companies with interests in Italy. The main areas of expertise is related to company law, compliance law (company responsibility under D.lgs. 231/2001, privacy, safety and environmental laws, etc.), labor law, commercial law and intellectual property law. The founder partner of the firm, Giovanni Tretti, has gained extended experience as General Counsel of an important international company and has transferred to the entire law firm the knowledge of the company’s need in terms of quality, effectiveness and well timed responses; in addition our firm is located in the Northerneast region of Italy, close to Venice, where the main bulk of the companies are middle or small size, and as such requesting legal services at a competitive price. All of these advantages have helped drive the firm to the success it enjoys today. In north Italy, there is a large variety of industries in all main sectors, some of the companies Company: Studio Legale GTA – Avv. Giovanni Tretti Contact: Giovanni Tretti, Susanna Greggio, Simone Cecchinato Address: Contra Porti, 21 - I-36100 Vicenza - Italy Phone: +39 0444 547317 (Martina Papi) Website: www.gtastudio.eu Studio Legale GTA: A Leading Light in ItalianCorporate Law S 1802AI27 being word wide leaders in their segments. Recently there has been a grow in the interest by international investors and multinational groups to invest in Italy and acquire middle or small company with production or services excellence in their field. In addition, many companies, while remaining with Italian ownership, have opened new factories or offices abroad, mainly in far east, east Europe and India. All these companies need qualified services and support in the legal field, offering many exciting opportunities for dynamic and respected firms such as Studio Legale GTA. Additionally, over the past five years there has been much restructuring within the Italian corporate landscape, and many businesses survived and new companies have been founded and grow. As it looks to the future, the challenge for Studio Legale GTA is to continue to understand the modified needs of its clients in the legal field and be able to serve those needs in the way it was able to in the last decade.
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